Page 183 of My Ruthless Neighbor

“Great. I’ll plan a day out on Sunday for the two of us.”

“Perfect.” I smile. She surprises me by hugging me. My nose tingles as I hug her back.

I can’t wait for Sunday.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Mia comes running toward me as soon as she spots me getting off the elevator.

“Hey,” I grin at her. I am in a great mood ever since I made plans with Mrs. Kim this morning. I’m on cloud nine.

“Hey!” She breathes harshly. Then as a total Mia move, gets distracted and says, “Cute outfit.”

I glance down at my neon form-fitted top, plum shorts, and bright blue top coat. “Thank you!” Then I look back up. “Why were you running, though?”

“Oh, yes! I forgot.” She shakes her head then clutches my arm. “Come with me.” She practically drags me through the long hallways to the cubicles where Brielle, Nina, Jason, Chris and just about everyone are sitting around a figure perched on a chair.

Heads turn our way as we come to a stop. Except for the one in the chair which is facing away. Slowly, it turns, revealing none other than Hannah.

Raleigh picks that moment to make an entry with hands full of snacks. He drags one chair next to Hannah’s and flops down. “Did I miss anything?”

“No. You’re on time.” Hannah replies, watching me.

“Uh… what’s going on?” I glance around.

Mia ushers me forward. Someone takes my backpack off my shoulder. Then a second later, I’m being hauled to the empty chair at the dead center of the small crowd which faces the two Creative Directors of KIM Advertising—Hannah and Raleigh.

I reach up and touch my neon bucket hat nervously. “Why are y’all acting so weird?

No response. A sudden sound pierces the awkward silence and I jump and my head snaps at Raleigh who just tore a bag of chips. He stuffs his face with handfuls of chips then passes it to Hannah. She takes one and gracefully takes a small bite, all while staring at me.

The others start munching on snacks Raleigh brought. The air fills with delicious smell and I swallow hard. I stare longingly at them as they eat. Nobody offers me anything. This feels like a punishment.

“What’s happening?”

“You tell me.” Hannah’s lips twitches.

“What? I am so confused right now.” My gaze strays to Raleigh as he devours the chips. I gulp again.

Sighing, Raleigh wheels his chair closer to me and holds out a crispy potato chip, I waste no time into opening my mouth and taking the whole thing inside.

Everyone groans in protests. “Raleigh!”

He throws his hands up. “What? I can’t sit here and watch her staring at us while we eat. It’s not fair.”

I smile internally. He and I know what’s it like to sleep on an empty stomach. The pangs of hunger. The never-ending cramps when you could smell food but could never get to eat it.

Raleigh gives me the entire bag of chips along with my favorite chocolate milkshake and wheels his chair back.

Hannah pulls his cheek, smiling. “So sweet.”

He scowls. “I’m not sweet.”

Hannah just laughs softly.

“Can someone tell me what’s going on?” I slurp the shake, my feet swinging back and forth happily. I’ll have to spend extra time on the treadmill tonight to burn the calories but this sweetness galore is so worth it.

Brielle shoots me a sheepish look. “Well, we kind of wanted to bribe you with your favorite snacks in exchange of information.”

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